Hole-in-one helps amateurs defeat pros

As the storied Century Club Matches assumed a new name, Fairbanks Ranch golfer Scott Stevens provided a highlight for the ages.

Stevens hit a hole-in-one to key his match-play victory and help lead the Amateurs past the Pros 13-11 in the 42nd annual event now known as the San Diego Cup Matches at The Farms Golf Club on Sunday.

After taking a 6½-5½ edge into the final round, the Amateurs duplicated that margin for a second straight victory that increased their lead in the all-time series to 21-19-2. The three-day competition also included Pinehurst and best-ball formats.

“Obviously, it was great to have a hole-in-one, but we hadn’t won the Cup, I couldn’t care less about it,” said Stevens, who recorded the ace on the par-3 fifth hole. “I struggled (Saturday) and didn’t my help partner, so I felt a little heavy then. I’m glad to help this time.”

Veteran observers said it was the event’s first ace in at least 20 years, if not the first ever. Stevens has had seven in his 30-year career, all in the last 15 years.

Ahead of the fifth hole, Stevens considered some yardage tips that The Farms member and teammate John Kollus had given to Amateurs captain Joe Wagner. Stevens then placed his shot beyond the green’s false front and watched the ball trickle forward into the hole.

The hole-in-one gave Stevens his first lead, and he eventually prevailed 1-up over Barona Creek pro Ross Marcano with a two-putt birdie on the 18th hole.

This was the fourth straight year in Cup play for Stevens, who became involved after moving from Palm Springs. Over that span, the Amateurs have gone 3-0-1 to regain the series lead.

Amateurs rookie Mike Mehron contributed a match-play win along with fellow Mission Bay golfer John Rudolph. The two have been friends since their junior golf days. “It’s more nerve-racking playing for a team because you don’t want to let anyone down,” said Mehron, who helped Torrey Pines High win the Southern California regional championship in 1995. Kollus and fellow The Farms member Gary Robinson each had a match-play victory for the Amateurs, as did The Golf Club of California's Gerry Simoni.